In this exclusive interview, Koffi KOMBATE, head of research on cassava and other starchy foods at Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research (ITRA), enumerates all the twist caused to the environment by the extension of farmlands.

In his enumeration, he gave the example of deforestation, loss of biodiversity, changes in water flow regimes, soil degradation and social conflicts.

After being outraged by the fact that people even cultivate on the flanks of mountains although it is forbidden by the law to protect this fragile ecosystem, Kombate explains that “the extension of agricultural land causes deforestation and the loss of biodiversity in the sense that people keep cutting down plants leading sometimes to the disappearance of certain species.”

According to him, "the extension of agricultural lands also causes change in the flow of water. With a wooded land, when it rains, plants prevent from free circulation of water allowing infiltration of water to recharge the groundwater. In contrast to deforested soils, the flow takes over the infiltration and promotes the degradation of soil by erosion. Because, a lot of surface water flowing erodes the soil".

He also links some social conflicts to the loss of pasture lands.

"Overgrazing leads to changes in flora following selective browsing and trampling of plants by livestock. The pinnacle at this level is the peasant-pastor conflict, generally uncontrollable".

What do you propose back?

Only one solution. Go to intensive agriculture.

That is really use powerful varieties, respect the sowing scheme, put agricultural inputs especially biological at optimal dose to obtain optimal yield of the culture so that on a small surface one can produce the sufficient quantity to feed the family and export.